Hunger Line Surpasses 25,000 TL as Cost of Living Crisis Deepens in Türkiye
food prices
According to Türk-İş’s May 2025 data, the hunger threshold for a family of four in Türkiye surged to 25,092 TL, while the poverty line jumped to 81,733 TL. The monthly cost of living for a single worker exceeded 32,000 TL, widening the gap between real expenses and the current net minimum wage of 17,002 TL.
The report exposes the widening cost-of-living crisis, with soaring food prices and inflation eroding the purchasing power of workers across the country.
Minimum Wage Falls Far Behind Rising Living Costs
Compared to April 2025, the hunger line increased by 1,057 TL, while the poverty threshold climbed by 3,443 TL. The report reveals that minimum wage earners cannot afford even basic nutritional needs, let alone a dignified life.
“A family cannot meet its basic food expenses on the current minimum wage,” Türk-İş stated. “Most wage earners rely on a single income, which now falls far short of supporting a humane standard of living.”
Single Worker’s Monthly Cost Nears Double the Minimum Wage
The monthly living cost for a single worker has reached 32,463 TL, nearly 15,500 TL more than the current minimum wage, highlighting the severe gap between real expenses and income.
This stark disparity underscores the growing urgency for wage adjustments, especially as inflation continues to eat into household budgets.
Food Inflation Drives the Crisis
The cost of essential food items rose by 4.40% in May alone for a family of four in Ankara. Over the past year, food prices have jumped 32.28%, while the annual average increase hit a staggering 47.62%—signaling persistent kitchen inflation at the heart of household struggles.
A Nation Gripped by Inflationary Pressure
As food, rent, and daily essentials grow increasingly unaffordable, Türk-İş’s findings reflect intensifying economic hardship among Türkiye’s working population. The union’s message is clear: the current minimum wage is no longer sustainable and fails to meet the most basic human needs.
Unless significant wage reforms and inflation control measures are implemented, millions of households risk falling deeper into poverty and food insecurity.